When I nursed Hailey I had a really hard time cramping...so much to where I could hardly relax, and I think that really affected my let down. I am concerned about the same thing now with this one and I really want to make this work out. Any suggestions? I am really planning ahead so I can get this right this time. Hopefully *crossed fingers*!

By Sunny on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 - 11:00 pm:

Take Tylenol or any other pain medication that's offered. Also, make sure you keep a glass of water within reach whenever you're nursing.

The after pains can sometimes be as painful as early labor pains the more kids you have, but usually they don't last more than a few days.

By Kaye on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 - 11:03 pm:

This is actually one of the benefits of nursing. Those contractions help the uterus contract and helps the blood flow stop. Okay well, great you say, they still hurt. First you have to keep in mind it only last a few days a week at most. Second, just knowing what they are can help. Masage your tummy if you need to, try using a heating pad while you nurse, just make sure you have extra layers between the pad and baby so it doesn't hurt her. Also try laying down and feeding. Another option is you feel those cramps, put the baby down, go potty, masage all you can and then nurse again.

By Missmudd on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 - 11:05 pm:

Also just think of them as a necessary evil. They are to contract your uterus down to the proper size and to stop most of the bleeding. I know they can be tough, just try to ride them out and use the same skills you used in labor.

By Tink on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 - 11:18 pm:

I would actually use my breathing techniques from labor, especially with my last. (They really do get worse with each birth) The deep cleansing breaths were the most help.

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 - 12:14 am:

I had Percocet, but then I had c-sections, too! LOL! I barely remember those!

By My2cuties on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 - 11:31 am:

I was given a prescription for Darvocet while breastfeeding Hailey but I didn't take it and if I did I would only take a 1/2 pill then pump that milk out. I was just nervous it would hurt her. I will try the breathing, that sounds like it may help me relax enough to get through the first little while. thanks alot for replying.

By Emily7 on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 - 12:20 pm:

I was given percocet, but asked for something else because Olivia didn't nurse well if I took the percocet. I think I was given Motrin 500.
The contractions are an important evil, but I agree with deep breathing, lots of water, & walk so clots don't devlope.

By Cat on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 - 12:45 pm:

I totally understand your concerns. I never experienced this with Robin (there were some minor complications with hemmoraging and I didn't cramp at all), but had very strong after pains with Randy. If I remember correctly they only lasted a week or so. Ditto the advise about breathing. Try some deep breaths before starting nursing. It will help relax you. You'll get through it. Just another joy of childbearing.

By Hlgmom on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 - 12:56 pm:

Water can have a huge impact on the cramping as well as the fact that your body desperately needs it while nursing. I always tried to drink at least 1 or 2 glasses during every nursing session.

Try some visualizing before it happens and concentrate on what the cramps are doing for your body. I would skip the painkillers if you can as the affect on the baby cannot be 100% certain. The visualization may sound a little "hokey" but really can work and help! I did alot of visualization with my natural childbirth and it was very helpful!

Good luck and good for you to be preparing ahead of time!